What are some effective strategies for translating idiomatic expressions?

It’s important to understand the cultural contexts of both source languages so that the point of the idiom can be properly translated and the communication can achieve the sender’s goal.

Effective strategies for translating idiomatic expressions include understanding the cultural context, finding equivalent expressions, or providing explanations when a direct translation isn't feasible.

In my experience understand the concept in the source language then think in the target language and express the same meaning/ feeling.

In English "owl" is the symbol of wisdom, while in Persian "owl" is a symbol of hoodoo or sinister. So in translating idioms from English to Persian or vis a vis in which the word "owl" is used one must care for the cultural and symbolic meaning, too.

One thing I get useful is to follow a framework for finding proper equivalents in translating Idioms. This frame work includes three basic questions: 1. Does the idiom(its meaning) exist in both languages( source and target)? 2. Do the idioms have the same realization? and 3. Do the idioms have the same distribution?

Drop of a hat. It means instantly, but has nothing to do with time. Fit as a fiddle. It means doing great but would have zero meaning translated word for word. Cut to the chase.

Out of the blue; an idiom means very nervous, to facilitate idioms translation You will need to go deep in the country culture and check some dictionaries even online to know the idioms' meaning and how we could use them correctly.

Whenever someone says they need to translate some unusual idioms my first thought is "Good luck with that". I don't want to flood here with examples of this but I feel everyone appreciates the Subtle emotional and psychological effects an idiom can have on a knowledgeable audience. This goes beyond the meaning of the words. Often it's not possible to strike that chord in the target language. The translator, then, must come up with a workaround for the idiom.

Idiomatic expressions use figurative words that are either similar in meaning or opposite in meaning to form an expression which has a different meaning from the words used Example is ‘Cut to the chase which means Go straight to the point and is used when you want someone you are holding a conversation with to make their point without beating around the bush or wasting time . Beating around the bush: is another idiomatic expression which is used to stop the speaker from making unnecessary points and implore them to say what is on their mind .

It depends on the situation, and the purpose of the translation. In a formal setting, where organisations need to communicate with global stakeholders, simple, non-idiomatic language usage should be used to enable translation into various languages without causing misunderstandings, ambiguity or offense. When translating literature and creative works, a deep knowledge and native understanding of the nuances of the target language is required.

Identifying idioms in the source language involves recognizing phrases that don't follow literal meanings, often displaying cultural or contextual uniqueness.

In my experience, it is often best to translate the actual meaning of the saying. Often I sign the idiom quickly, then translate the idiom for actual meaning: this way if my Deaf client comes across that idiom elsewhere they will have context.

Select a suitable idiom translation strategy based on context, target audience, and the essence of the expression, considering whether to translate, adapt, or provide an explanation.

Ensure idiom translation quality by seeking feedback from native speakers, considering cultural appropriateness, and assessing how well the translated idiom conveys the intended meaning.

It's important to note that, as idioms spread and evolve, their meaning may change! Furthermore, they may not mean to you the same as they mean to everyone else. I always double-check the definitions of the idioms I want to use in the target language. When in doubt, I also ask friends and colleagues what the idiom means to them, in their own words

Collaboration here is key. By this, I mean feedback from native speakers considering the context in which it was said as well. However, here is one question to consider as well: When translating from one into another language, we can easily guess that the translator is a native of one of the languages. The question is: Can a translator be considered a fully reliable and absolute source of understanding of the idiom without consulting with other native speakers of the language? As languages can span huge distances within the same country, connotations associated with the idiom may vary even within the same dialect.

When I first moved to Austria, I kept a small notebook with me to jot down idioms that I came across (this was back in the 1990s, when we weren't "always online"). I regularly would then consult a paper dictionary to find out the meaning. The notebook eventually gave way to a Word document. Once I had committed the idioms to memory, I tried things like trying to find other variants - or to find alliterative counterparts for those using alliteration. One tip I would add though is where you hear them in a speech to also write down the context in which they were used - it can prove invaluable.

I often search for theses or academic papers on slang, folklore, youth culture, idioms and expressions if I get stuck in a translation project. People also generously compile idiom dictionaries and guides — I’m so grateful that they share these resources online

Knowing people from the cultural background we're translating to, definitely helps! Living in or visiting their country would be ideal for getting familiar with idoms, but when it's not possible, we can always chat with people of that origin on internet, read books and articles in that language, whatch videos, and a number of other activities that can enrich a translator's vocabulary.